Question From JanNesha: I am looking towards buying my first car and i was just wondering how much should i put down

Queen of the Road: Hi JanNesha. Welcome to our blog! I’d love to help you save money on your first car. Buying your first car is always exciting. It’s an experience everyone always remembers. So let’s make sure you get a great deal.

Did you pick out a car yet? If so, I’ll need all the info. on that car so that I can look up the wholesale price range. There are many factors that can determine if the car will be expensive or less expensive. Sedan or SUV, New or Used, 2WD or 4WD, etc.. If you’re on a budget, I suggest buying a used car but made within a decade. Sites I recommend to search is Craiglist and AutoTrader.

How much you should put down is partially determined by your financial situation.  Historically speaking, interest rates are very low but having bad debt is not a good idea.  What we can tell you is:

1) Don’t buy more car than you can afford.
2) Shop around for the best financing deals.  Check with your local credit union because their rates are usually very good.  Don’t worry if you are not a member because joining is a cinch.
3) Buy the car you want but remember the first point above.  However, don’t ever let a car salesman talk you into buying something you didn’t want in the first place.  The car buying experience should not be like pulling teeth.
4) Think total car price and NOT monthly payments.  Saving some bucks every month but having a loan stretched out for an extra year or two is NOT worth it.

If you don’t mind giving us more specifics on your situation we can better assess your situation.

Since this is your first car buying experience, here are some articles I recommend you glance through to get an idea of what you need.

Questions To Ask Yourself Before Buying A Car 

The Best 13 Step Guide To Buying A Car

Send me the car’s info. once you have it picked out and I’ll get to work. Simply leave your info in the comment/reply box.

Question:
Year: 2002-2004
Make: Toyota
Model: Camry 2.7 4cyl
Trim: LE
Mileage: less than 80k
VIN:
Buying or Selling? Buying
From Private Party or From A Dealership? Doesnt matter

Queen of the Road: Hello. Let’s see what we’ve got for you here…

For a 2002 Toyota Camry 4C LE with 80,000 miles, wholesale prices range from $7,000 (being in above average condition) to $6,200 (being in average condition) and $5,300 (being in below average condition). A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $6,200 to $8,100. A private seller will usually aim to sell it for 5%-10%.

For a 2003 Toyota Camry 4C LE with 80,000 miles, wholesale prices range from $7,300 (being in above average condition) to $6,500 (being in average condition) and $5,700 (being in below average condition). A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $6,600 to $8,400. A private seller will usually aim to sell it for 5%-10%.

For a 2004 Toyota Camry 4C LE with 80,000 miles, wholesale prices range from $8,400 (being in above average condition) to $7,400 (being in average condition) and $6,400 (being in below average condition). A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $7,400 to $9,600. A private seller will usually aim to sell it for 5%-10%.

Check carfax and do plenty of research on the history of the vehicle. Ask for their maintenance records. You can even bring a mechanic for a brief inspection. Here’s a good car buying article I recommmend everyone read before completing the car buying process.  Best of luck and keep us posted on how the purchase goes! Don’t forget to tell your friends and family about our free personal service.

Question From Patricia:  How much should I pay for a 2008 Toyota Highlander base model brand new. I’d really appreciate some help.

Queen of the Road: Hi Patricia! Welcome to AutoBragBlog! I’d be happy to find you some Highlander deals.

For the base model, do you want AWD or not?

Here are our base models: 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A) OR 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Please leave your reply in the comment box and I’ll start looking up deals for you.

Question From Bergit: how much should i pay for a 4s auto 2009 ford fusion

Queen of the Road: Hi Bergit. Welcome to AutoBragBlog! Both deals below are from Ourisman Ford Lincoln Mercury in Virginia, but appliable in your hometown.

For a 2009 Ford Fusion I-4 S 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5A),

The Largest Percentage Off MSRP Price: $15,836.00
MSRP: $21,280.00
ePrice: $15,836.00
Savings: $5,444.00
% OFF MSRP: 25.58%

2nd Largest Percentage Off MSRP Price: $15,920.00
MSRP: $21,360.00
ePrice: $15,920.00
Savings: $5,440.00
% OFF MSRP: 25.47%

Consumer Cash Incentives: A Cash Back Incentive of $500 is being offered to the Consumer upon purchase. Available to all full-time and part-time college students, recent college graduates, trade school graduates, or current graduate school students. Offer Expires: 12/31/2008

A Cash Back Incentive of $500 is being offered to the Consumer upon purchase. College Bonus Cash is available to all full-time and part-time college students, recent college graduates, trade school graduates, or current graduate school students. Offer Expires: 12/31/2008

If you’d like to research other Fushion deals, feel free to look through www.AutoBrag.com. Below is an explanation of the data above and how to utilize these deals from out of state in your local dealership.

What are all these blue links for? The first blue link breaks down the numbers so that you don’t have to do any math or researching. You’ll see exactly how much money you’re saving if you pay the “Internet Price”. It also lists the National Average Discount, the National Maximum Discount and the National Average Price for each vehicle. We also provide our personal opinion to whether we think the deal is good or not.

If we approve the deal, we’ll show a thumbs up and “Bring Your Checkbook“.

If we think the deal is ok, we’ll show a thumb tilted sideways and “Fair Market“.

If we disapprove the deal, we’ll show a thumbs down and “Keep Shopping“.

The second blue link is the proof you’ll need when you step foot onto the dealership. Don’t leave home without it! It’s the page that shows the price which you’ll be asking for. It’s basically what you need to pull up on their computers if they don’t believe you found that price online form that dealer’s inventory.

How do I use these deals from out of state in my hometown? Print out all the blue links above and take them to your local dealerships. But before you go, we highly recommend you call and make an appointment to see the Internet Fleet Manager because he/she should know exactly what you’re talking about. Avoid the floor salesmen, head straight to the Internet Sales Manager.

If they don’t believe your prices, ask to use one of their computers so they can see where these figures came from. It’ll be impossible for them to doubt you because you’re pulling up dealership’s website and checking their inventory. It may take a few tries before a dealership agrees to honor the deal.

The effort is certainly worth it. Saving an extra thousand(s) really pays off at a time like this. Remember, cars are a commodity so these prices apply everywhere in the U.S. Don’t forget to tell your friends and family about our free personal service. Goodluck and keep us posted!

Question From Kristin: I am hesitant to buy a new car as opposed to a used one, but was hoping for a great year-end deal.

Zip code: 95337

Here is what I am looking for:
2008 Highlander, Magnetic Gray Metallic, V6, AWD

Would like to have:
-Towing package (TO)
-AMFM/6CD w/6 speakers (DJ)
-Cold Weather package (EH)
-Tonneau Cover (CD)
-Cross Bars, Roof Rails

Follow Up Comment: I am interested in the 4 dr SUV AWD.

Queen of the Road: Hi Kristin. Welcome to AutoBragBlog! I’d be happy to look into some deals for you. We also offer pre-owned wholesale prices in case you come across a used Highlander that you’d like figures for.

The following deals may not have all the options you listed, but they’re the best deals.

For a 2008 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A),

The Largest Percentage Off MSRP Price: $34,185.00
MSRP: $44,045.00
ePrice: $34,185.00
Savings: $9,860.00
% OFF MSRP: 22.39%

2nd Largest Percentage Off MSRP Price: $24,881.00
MSRP: $31,915.00
ePrice: $24,881.00
Savings: $7,034.00
% OFF MSRP: 22.04%

The Lowest Internet Price: $24,341.00
MSRP: $30,824.00
ePrice: $24,341.00
Savings: $6,483.00
% OFF MSRP: 21.03%

There aren’t any incentives being offered for the Highlanders at the moment. If you’d like to research other Highlander deals, feel free to look through www.AutoBrag.com. Below is an explanation of the data above and how to utilize these deals from out of state in your local dealership.

What are all these blue links for? The first blue link breaks down the numbers so that you don’t have to do any math or researching. You’ll see exactly how much money you’re saving if you pay the “Internet Price”. It also lists the National Average Discount, the National Maximum Discount and the National Average Price for each vehicle. We also provide our personal opinion to whether we think the deal is good or not.

If we approve the deal, we’ll show a thumbs up and “Bring Your Checkbook“.

If we think the deal is ok, we’ll show a thumb tilted sideways and “Fair Market“.

If we disapprove the deal, we’ll show a thumbs down and “Keep Shopping“.

The second blue link is the proof you’ll need when you step foot onto the dealership. Don’t leave home without it! It’s the page that shows the price which you’ll be asking for. It’s basically what you need to pull up on their computers if they don’t believe you found that price online form that dealer’s inventory.

How do I use these deals from out of state in my hometown? Print out all the blue links above and take them to your local dealerships. But before you go, we highly recommend you call and make an appointment to see the Internet Fleet Manager because he/she should know exactly what you’re talking about. Avoid the floor salesmen, head straight to the Internet Sales Manager.

If they don’t believe your prices, ask to use one of their computers so they can see where these figures came from. It’ll be impossible for them to doubt you because you’re pulling up dealership’s website and checking their inventory. It may take a few tries before a dealership agrees to honor the deal.

The effort is certainly worth it. Saving an extra thousand(s) really pays off at a time like this. Remember, cars are a commodity so these prices apply everywhere in the U.S. Don’t forget to tell your friends and family about our free personal service. Goodluck and keep us posted!

Question From Ramesh: How much should i pay for a 2007 Hyundai Sonata SE V6? Zip code 94539. Miles - 42000. color silver

Queen of the Road: Hi Ramesh. Welcome to our blog! Let’s find you some fair Hyundai prices.

For a 2007 Hyundai Sonata V6 SE with 42,000 miles, wholesale prices range from $9,200 (being in above average condition) to $8,400 (being in average condition) and $7,700 (being in below average condition). Keep in mind that the numbers above are the wholesale prices.

A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $8.9k to $10.4k. In this case, the seller is aiming real high. A private seller will usually aim to sell it for 5%-10%.

Are you buying from a dealership or a private seller? What was the offer? Be sure to check carfax and do plenty of research on the history of each vehicle. Ask for their maintenance records. You can even bring a mechanic for a brief inspection.

Here’s a good article I recommmend everyone read before completing the car buying process.  Best of luck and keep us posted on how the purchase goes! Don’t forget to tell your friends and family about our free personal service.

This Is An Update To A Previous Question

Follow Up Comment From Anthony:  SE V6 WITH SPORT PACKAGE. THANKS

Queen of the Road: Hi Anthony. It’s a tough call between the Sonata and the Fushion. Both brands are offer great incentives. Have you read all the reviews for both models? Those always help. Both of these deal below hail from Apple Ford Inc in Maryland.

For a 2009 Ford Fusion V6 SE 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6A),

The Largest Percentage Off MSRP Price: $16,998.00
MSRP: $21,905.00
ePrice: $16,998.00
Savings: $4,907.00
% OFF MSRP: 22.40%

2nd Largest Percentage Off MSRP Price & The Lowest Internet Price: $16,607.00
MSRP: $21,360.00
ePrice: $16,607.00
Savings: $4,753.00
% OFF MSRP: 22.25%

Consumer Cash Incentives:
A Cash Back Incentive of $500 is being offered to the Consumer upon purchase. Available to all full-time and part-time college students, recent college graduates, trade school graduates, or current graduate school students. Offer Expires: 12/31/2008

A Cash Back Incentive of $500 is being offered to the Consumer upon purchase. College Bonus Cash is available to all full-time and part-time college students, recent college graduates, trade school graduates, or current graduate school students. Offer Expires: 12/31/2008

 What are all these blue links for? The first blue link breaks down the numbers so that you don’t have to do any math or researching. You’ll see exactly how much money you’re saving if you pay the “Internet Price”. It also lists the National Average Discount, the National Maximum Discount and the National Average Price for each vehicle. We also provide our personal opinion to whether we think the deal is good or not.

If we approve the deal, we’ll show a thumbs up and “Bring Your Checkbook“.

If we think the deal is ok, we’ll show a thumb tilted sideways and “Fair Market“.

If we disapprove the deal, we’ll show a thumbs down and “Keep Shopping“.

The second blue link is the proof you’ll need when you step foot onto the dealership. Don’t leave home without it! It’s the page that shows the price which you’ll be asking for. It’s basically what you need to pull up on their computers if they don’t believe you found that price online form that dealer’s inventory.

So now what? Print out all the blue links above and take them to your local dealerships. But before you go, we highly recommend you call and make an appointment to see the Internet Fleet Manager because he/she should know exactly what you’re talking about. Avoid the floor salesmen, head straight to the Internet Sales Manager.

If they don’t believe your prices, ask to use one of their computers so they can see where these figures came from. It’ll be impossible for them to doubt you because you’re pulling up dealership’s website and checking their inventory. Remember, cars are a commodity so these prices apply everywhere in the U.S. If you want to research more new car prices, poke around on www.AutoBrag.com.

Let me know what you end up going with. Goodluck, Anthony!

Question From Jade: hi, i was wondering how much i should pay for a 2008 highlander. I know that inventory in dealers are backed up as of now. I am hoping to get the best deal out there.Plus the 2009s are coming in

i was looking for a 4wheel or awd.. doesn\’t matter, with third row seater, the most important thing..

my area code is 03079
please help me out thanks

Queen of the Road: Hi Jade. Welcome to AutoBragBlog! Sure, I’d love to help you out and save you some money.

For a 2008 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A),

The Largest Percentage Off MSRP Price: $31,906.00
MSRP: $40,719.00
ePrice: $31,906.00
Savings: $8,813.00
% OFF MSRP: 21.64%
This Thumbs Up deal is from Miller Toyota Scion in Virginia.

The Lowest Internet Price: $24,841.00
MSRP: $30,824.00
ePrice: $24,841.00
Savings: $5,983.00
% OFF MSRP: 19.41%
Another Thumbs Up deal.

What are all these blue links for? The first blue link breaks down the numbers so that you don’t have to do any math or researching. You’ll see exactly how much money you’re saving if you pay the “Internet Price”. It also lists the National Average Discount, the National Maximum Discount and the National Average Price for each vehicle. We also provide our personal opinion to whether we think the deal is good or not.

If we approve the deal, we’ll show a thumbs up and “Bring Your Checkbook“.

If we think the deal is ok, we’ll show a thumb tilted sideways and “Fair Market“.

If we disapprove the deal, we’ll show a thumbs down and “Keep Shopping“.

The second blue link is the proof you’ll need when you step foot onto the dealership. Don’t leave home without it! It’s the page that shows the price which you’ll be asking for. It’s basically what you need to pull up on their computers if they don’t believe you found that price online form that dealer’s inventory.

So now what? Print out all the blue links above and take them to your local dealerships. But before you go, we highly recommend you call and make an appointment to see the Internet Fleet Manager because he/she should know exactly what you’re talking about. Avoid the floor salesmen, head straight to the Internet Sales Manager.

If they don’t believe your prices, ask to use one of their computers so they can see where these figures came from. It’ll be impossible for them to doubt you because you’re pulling up dealership’s website and checking their inventory. Remember, cars are a commodity so these prices apply everywhere in the U.S. If you want to research more new car prices, poke around on www.AutoBrag.com.

Is there any other cars you’d like me to look into? Keep us posted with how everything goes!

Question: How much should i pay for a 2009 ford fusion w/ sport package 4-cyl and a 2009 hyundai sonata se 4-cyl?

Queen of the Road: Hi there. Welcome to our blog! For the Ford Fushion, which trim would you like prices for?

I-4 S 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5A) or I-4 SEL 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5A)

For a 2009 Hyundai Sonata SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M),

The Largest Percentage Off MSRP Price: $15,787.00
MSRP: $22,089.00
ePrice: $15,787.00
Savings: $6,302.00
% OFF MSRP: 28.53%

The Lowest Internet Price: $15,344.00
MSRP: $20,169.00
ePrice: $15,344.00
Savings: $4,825.00
% OFF MSRP: 23.92%

Both Thumbs Up deals are from Antwerpen Hyundai Of Catonsville.

Consumer Cash Incentives: A Cash Back Incentive of $500 is being offered to the Consumer upon purchase. Valued Owner Coupons are available to current registered owners of a Hyundai vehicle. See dealer for details. Offer Expires: 10/31/2008

A Cash Back Incentive of $1,000 is being offered to the Consumer upon purchase. Military incentive is available to active duty personnel or spouse in the armed services and reserves. Proof of active duty status in the military is required. Offer Expires: 10/31/2008

A Cash Back Incentive of $2,000 is being offered to the Consumer upon purchase. Offer Expires: 10/31/2008

What are all these blue links for? The first blue link breaks down the numbers so that you don’t have to do any math or researching. You’ll see exactly how much money you’re saving if you pay the “Internet Price”. It also lists the National Average Discount, the National Maximum Discount and the National Average Price for each vehicle. We also provide our personal opinion to whether we think the deal is good or not.

If we approve the deal, we’ll show a thumbs up and “Bring Your Checkbook“.

If we think the deal is ok, we’ll show a thumb tilted sideways and “Fair Market“.

If we disapprove the deal, we’ll show a thumbs down and “Keep Shopping“.

The second blue link is the proof you’ll need when you step foot onto the dealership. Don’t leave home without it! It’s the page that shows the price which you’ll be asking for. It’s basically what you need to pull up on their computers if they don’t believe you found that price online form that dealer’s inventory.

So now what? Print out all the blue links above and take them to your local dealerships. But before you go, we highly recommend you call and make an appointment to see the Internet Fleet Manager because he/she should know exactly what you’re talking about. Avoid the floor salesmen, head straight to the Internet Sales Manager.

If they don’t believe your prices, ask to use one of their computers so they can see where these figures came from. It’ll be impossible for them to doubt you because you’re pulling up dealership’s website and checking their inventory. Remember, cars are a commodity so these prices apply everywhere in the U.S. If you want to research more new car prices, poke around on www.AutoBrag.com.

Question: Hi , 1st Time Poster…Thanks for providing such a valuable service to the Community.

I’m looking for a used 2008 Toyota Highlander Sport. I’m in the midwest (Iowa, Minnesota) if that matters on the quotes.

2008
Toyota
Highlander 4×4
Sport model (Sport Suspension, 19 inch Rims, Reverse Cam Package)
Can you price both ~10,000-15,000 miles and ~20,000-25,000 miles?

I’d also like to see what the Limited model is going for as a comparison because I’d really like to step up to that package for the right price.

2008
Toyota
Highlander 4×4
Limited
Can you price both ~10,000-15,000 miles and ~20,000-25,000 miles?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Queen of the Road: Hi there, I’ll look up prices for both models witha median of the range of miles you listed. Take a look…

For a 2008 Toyota Highlander 4WD V6 Sport with 12,500 miles, prices range from $25,800 (being in above average condition) to $23,800 (being in average condition) and $21,800 (being in below average condition). A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale.

For a 2008 Toyota Highlander 4WD V6 Sport with 22,500 miles, prices range from $23,900 (being in above average condition) to $21,900 (being in average condition) and $19,900 (being in below average condition). A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale.

For a 2008 Toyota Highlander 4WD V6 Limited with 12,500 miles, prices range from $31,500 (being in above average condition) to $28,400 (being in average condition) and $25,300 (being in below average condition). A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale.

For a 2008 Toyota Highlander 4WD V6 Limited with 22,500 miles, prices range from $29,700 (being in above average condition) to $26,600 (being in average condition) and $23,500 (being in below average condition). A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale.

What have you been offered so far? Are you looking to buy from private sellers or dealerships?